2002 World Equestrian Games

Teenager Takes Individual Gold

The UAE team was considered a favorite to win in Jerez. Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum and his three sons started the race at an aggressive pace, with Sheik Rashid bin Mohammed al Maktoum on Maradon in first place after Phase 1 (16.53 km/hour). His father on Fay and brothers Sheik Ahmed bin Mohammed al Maktoum (riding Bowman,) and Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammed al Maktoum (on Alrika) were close behind. The team lost two horses in Phase 2, when both Maradon and Fay were eliminated. "We changed our tactics and had my brother go for the individual," said Sheik Rashid bin Mohammed al Maktoum. "It turned out for the best."

Sheik Ahmed bin Mohammed al Maktoum, 16, rode the bay 13-year-old at an average speed of 17:19. In Phases 3, 4, and 5, he maintained consistent speeds over 17 km/hour. "The race was very tough," he said. "It had all the best riders and best horses." "This is his best result," said Sheik Rashid bin Mohammed al Maktoum. "He has won many races in Dubai and learned a lot in the last two years. It's like he talks to the horse, and the horse talks back to him."

Sheik Ahmed bin Mohammed al Maktoum finished the race just before 7 PM, for a total ride time of 9:19:29. When asked about being the first male to win this Championship, he said, "I feel very great for that. I didn't win in the first loops, but I feel very proud for the UAE. My father is very happy."

He was also the first rider from an Arab nation to win a World Championship medal. He was third in Phase 3, with Rosi (on Alex Raggio di Sole) and fellow Italian, Fausto Fiorucci (on Faris Jabar), in the first two places. By Phase 4, he had stayed about the same speed but moved into first. Rosi earned the silver medal.